Thomas Pearson

Thomas Curtis Pearson, 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 10, 2025, in Naples, Florida.

Tom was born on May 22, 1929 in Springfield, Illinois to Miles Curtis Pearson and Marjorie Jane Welch Pearson, and was raised in Madison, Wisconsin where he resided his first 50 years. He earned his undergraduate and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin, where he met and married Shirley Lee Hudson. While in law school he began his career in the real estate business, first in residential sales and later as a commercial real estate appraiser and developer. He owned and operated Realty Associates and Pearson Appraisal Service in downtown Madison until he retired at the age of 50, after which he travelled the world and enjoyed a cruise at least every month. An avid hunter, fisherman and skier, he moved west and lived in Steamboat Springs and then Ruidoso, New Mexico, before moving to Naples, Florida, to be near his family. Always fun loving, Tom was the life of the party and will be missed by many.

Tom was survived by his sons William Michael Pearson (Leslie) and Thomas Curtis Pearson, Jr., four grandchildren, William Thomas Pearson (Amanda), Nicholas Scott Pearson (Stephanie), Paige Wilson and Zachary Wilson, a great granddaughter, Callie Elizabeth Pearson, and his special friend Joan Hitt. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Ellen Wilson and his grandson Alec Michael Pearson.

Per his wishes, Tom will be buried at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison next to his mother. A graveside service for family is planned. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his name to the Alec Michael Pearson Outdoorsman Memorial Foundation Fund at the Collier Community Foundation.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd     Madison

608-238-3434